Chapter 81

He was working on a new novel, principally as a distraction from the period of waiting for the trial to begin, and settled down at his computer. I’d brought home a bulging briefcase and busied myself with working my way through its contents. As usual, I had placed several hours’ worth of music on the stereo system. We worked steadily and without interruption until nearly eleven, when Richard came in. The door was open, and I don’t think either of us were aware of his presence until he said, “Knock, Knock.”

I looked up from my desk and said, “Hi, what’s up?”

“News from Bruce,” he said. “First, Wetherbee himself is going to try the case.”

“That’s hardly surprising, but good to know for sure. What else?”

“Second, I’ve managed to acquire every name and address on the list of prospective jurors.”

“Great, that gives you five days, counting the weekend, to check them out. Anything else?”

“Geez, Charley, isn’t that enough?”